First Avenue Coin stays in family

Brother of former owner runs shop

Ed Gutierrez, 52, of Geneva has reopened his big brother's shop, First Avenue Coin, at 221 First Ave. in Rock Falls. Jesus "Jesse" Gutierrez, died Dec. 19 at the age of 72. Ed buys and sell coins, precious metals, jewelry and related collectibles, and does in-home appraisals.

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(Philip Marruffo/pmarruffo@saukvalley.com)

Ed Gutierrez, 52, of Geneva has reopened his big brother's shop, First Avenue Coin, at 221 First Ave. in Rock Falls. Jesus "Jesse" Gutierrez, died Dec. 19 at the age of 72. Ed buys and sell coins, precious metals, jewelry and related collectibles, and does in-home appraisals.

Caption

(Philip Marruffo/pmarruffo@saukvalley.com)

First Avenue Coin in Rock Falls buy and sells coins like this Carson City uncirculated silver dollar.

Caption

(Philip Marruffo/pmarruffo@saukvalley.com)

First Avenue Coin in Rock Falls buy and sells coins like this Norman Rockwell Four Season set.

ROCK FALLS – First Avenue Coin, 221 First Ave., is under new management.

Sterling native Ed Gutierrez closed the business after the previous owner, his brother, Jesus “Jesse” Gutierrez, died Dec. 19 at the age of 72.

Ed, 52, who now lives in Geneva, hadn’t planned to become a Rock Falls businessman, but as he delved into settling Jesse’s affairs, “I realized my brother provided a valuable service,” he said. So he reopened the shop in late May.

He’s glad he did. “I’m having fun,” said Ed, who has really come to enjoy Rock Falls.

Like Jesse, Ed buys and sell coins, precious metals, jewelry and related collectibles. Because he’s out of town, he’s available by appointment only, although he tends to be in the shop every Tuesday. He also does in-home appraisals.

First Avenue Coin also has a Facebook page and a website, www.firstavenuecoin.com. Email ed@firstavenuecoin.com or call 815-564-8996 to set up an appointment.